The lives of offshore workers are being put at risk because they are so afraid of losing their jobs they do not report dangerous safety breaches, unions will warn Holyrood today.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) believes that the oil and gas crisis has left workers so petrified of redundancy that rig safety is being “critically undermined”.
In a submission to the Scottish Parliament energy committee, the group has warned that offshore employees are now “reluctant” to flag up dangers for fear of being sacked. It adds that there are “serious concerns” about helicopter safety in particular following several tragic high-profile air accidents in the North Sea in recent years.
Last night Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Murdo Fraser said the report was deeply concerning.
He said: “This is a very worrying intervention from a union which works closely with offshore workers. The North Sea has a very proud safety record. But we absolutely cannot let that be jeopardised by a feeling that, given times are tough in the sector, it would be better to take risks in case of major cost implications.
“I hope the companies can work with the unions to reassure workers that health and safety remains absolutely paramount.”
In its report, which will be discussed this morning, the STUC warns: “Fear of redundancy is critically undermining offshore health and safety as workers become reluctant to report actual and potential safety breaches.”
Mick Borwell, health and safety director with Oil & Gas UK, said: “We would be extremely concerned if there is a reduction in the willingness of our offshore workers to report safety concerns, and would therefore strongly urge them to use the channels open to them in their own organisations.
“They can also use the anonymous hotline to the Health and Safety Executive to report any concerns.”
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